Beauceron is a herding dog breed from France with a documented history going back to the 1500s. The Beauceron breed was used to herd both sheep and cattle and to protect livestock from predators and thieves. An intelligent, bold, and trainable breed, she has also been used extensively by the military and law enforcement agencies.

The Beauceron stands 24.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weighs 80 to 110 pounds, with females smaller than males. The head is carried proudly, with either natural dropped ears or cropped upright ears. The double coat is short and coarse and is usually black and red, although there is also a harlequin (gray, black, and tan).

This Beauceron breed’s coat requires brushing twice a week, except during spring and fall when shedding is heavier. The Beauceron does not tolerate a quiet, calm lifestyle well. She needs activity, exercise, and a job to do. If she is not living on a farm herding, then she needs vigorous daily exercise.

The Beauceron should also participate in dog sports. Training should begin early and continue into adulthood, as this intelligent breed needs mental challenges. She will enjoy advanced obedience, trick training, tracking, air scenting, Schutzhund, and search and rescue training.

It must be stressed the Beauceron is not the dog for everyone. They are not suitable for the first-time dog owner unless that person is prepared to seek the guidance of a professional dog trainer. Without an owner who is a leader, the Beauceron will assume that position, with less-than-pleasant results. With training, leadership, and a job to do, the Beauceron can be a wonderful family companion. Although rowdy as puppies, adults are good with children. They are great with other dogs in the family but can be assertive with strange dogs. When raised with other pets, they are fine, but they will herd the family cat. Health concerns include hip dysplasia and bloat.

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The Beauceron is a confident, steady-tempered, usually serious dog.
Athletic and agile, he needs hard exercise (running, hiking, biking, fetching). A walk around the block is most assuredly not enough, and too much confinement can lead to destructive behaviors and rambunctiousness, especially in youngsters.
Mental exercise (advanced obedience, agility, herding, Schutzhund) is just as important to this highly intelligent breed.
Matching his stern appearance, he is aloof and discriminating with strangers, keen-eyed and watchful. Socialization must be early and frequent so that his watchfulness doesn’t shade into aggression. Shyness and spookiness are unfortunately present in some lines.
Most Beaucerons are territorial with other animals, but usually good with the pets in their own family, if raised with them.
You must discourage their habit of poking or pushing people and other animals in an attempt to move them along or gather them together.
Beaucerons like to control everyone and everything and require a confident, consistent owner who knows how to lead.